Heat the Twelfth takes us back to the beginning, as we've had to dig the Gauntlet out of the archives and rebuild it in the arena. 6 robots will fight their way through a Gauntlet run each, before a random trial in round 2 - both of which see us lose a robot. After this, we have simple Arena knockout round to finish off and find a winner of the heat.
We will use the Series 2 Gauntlet run as shown in the right picture, but the Left Route will include The Sentinel from later episodes. The distance of the Arena will be 15 metres. So 15 metres is what a completed run will be scored, so any non-complete runs will be less than 15m.
Completed. Evil Weevil is super quick and nippy, and seem like it would attempt to pass The Sentinel. Taking the left route, it should be able to slip past The Sentinel with its low shape, and it can whizz its way around and past Sir Killalot without too much hassle to complete the run.
Completed. Quite nippy to get past The Sentinel, and then get past Sir Killalot to complete the Gauntlet, and quite quick as well. Adster1005 08:59, June 4, 2020 (UTC)
Completed. You know what? I hope this format catches on, at least to a degree or two, because I think it might be fun to use in a future tournament - Series 3 with Gauntlet & Trials, perhaps. Anyway, Evil Weevil should be able to complete most options on most given days. CrashBash (talk) 09:08, June 4, 2020 (UTC)
Completely agree. It looks like this format is going to be fun. Adster1005 09:17, June 4, 2020 (UTC)
Agree also, this has been one of my favourite arena tournaments ever.Diotoir the son of nemesis (talk) 09:26, June 4, 2020 (UTC)
Yeah, the Gauntlet and Trials is certainly something different and enjoyable to vote on. That said, it is probably best only in a limited numbers tournament, like Series 1 or the Reboot. I feel like we'd get bored of the Gauntlet and Trials by the end of doing an entire Series 6 of trials for example, having to shove every robot through it. I'm glad you're enjoying this tournament as much as I am Diotoir, this random format format can certainly be used again in future tournaments when we need a break from head-to-head fights. Jimlaad43(talk) 10:15, June 4, 2020 (UTC)
Completed. I think it will take the ramp route for one good reason: There is only one House Robot guarding it. Indeed, we saw in the Football that Evil Weevil struggled to assert itself against the House Robots, so it should ideally tackle the route where danger is less present. Plus, Sergeant Bash was generally the easiest to outpush, so I am confident in backing Evil Weevil 2... unless it has the wrong battery. Then things might get interesting. SpaceManiac888(Talk) 09:11, June 4, 2020 (UTC)
Completed Not Much to say that hasn't been said, it may be tight though as I see LOTS of challenge but it's relatively fine for Evil Weevil.Diotoir the son of nemesis (talk) 09:25, June 4, 2020 (UTC)
Completed Kevin Pritchard learns his lesson from when Panic Attack tried the ramrig, and this time manages a more straight forward Corporal Punishment-esque charge through before a fairly easy charge to the end zone, just in time before the battery runs out! Hogwild94 (talk) 17:34, June 4, 2020 (UTC)
5.4m. Fat Boy Tin will probably find the middle route its only chance to actually fit down a run, as the Ramrig and Sentinel are probably too small for it. FBT can get through the breezeblocks with its wedge, but I can just see it falling off the ramp quite quickly. Halfway up the ramp and it topples off and gets stuck. Jimlaad43(talk) 08:54, June 4, 2020 (UTC)
4.3m. I reckon it might be able to get down the ramrig, but Shunt will push it back to cause more damage on the ramrig, and with the axe. Adster1005 09:02, June 4, 2020 (UTC)
5.2 Yeah, that makes the logical sense. The moment that Fat Boy Tin falls over or gets knocked over, which it is viable to have done in two of the three routes, it's done for. CrashBash (talk) 09:10, June 4, 2020 (UTC)
7.1m. Actually think the Sentinel run is most ideal for Fat Boy Tin. Obviously, the ramrig is going to trap it, but the ramp is actually unsuitible for most robots with low wedges. Indeed, even Leighviathan, with a ground clearance designed for the Gauntlet, struggled to get up the ramp. Henceforth, the open space prior to meeting the Sentinel seems ideal for Fat Boy Tin. However, it probably will not get too far before Sir Killalot and Sentinel block it. SpaceManiac888(Talk) 09:14, June 4, 2020 (UTC)
5.2 metres The issue is, if it goes through the breezeblock, it will struggle to gain traction. It it goes right (from our POV, their left), it will be trapped by the ramrigs for sureand if it goes left (from our POV, their right) The Sentinel is likely to swipe at it and topple them easily or dump them in a pit. No matter what they're screwed.Diotoir the son of nemesis (talk) 09:29, June 4, 2020 (UTC)
4.9m. Has no choice but to go down the middle, just about gets through the brick wall, but a combination of bricks in the way and a low ground clearance results in it getting stuck on the ramp. Hogwild94 (talk) 17:37, June 4, 2020 (UTC)
10.4m. Tiberius will give this a good go. It should be able to pass The Sentinel or the Ramrig quite easily, but I just can't see it being able to pass the House Robots at the top. Let's say Sir Killalot traps the claw with his lance and drags Tiberius into a pit. Jimlaad43(talk) 08:46, June 6, 2020 (UTC)
Completed Y'know what? I actually think Tiberius is good enough to complete the course. It may take a while as some obstacles my wedge it but the determined pushing power and control should swiftly charge towards the end in a tight run.Diotoir the son of nemesis (talk) 08:52, June 6, 2020 (UTC)
12.9m. Tiberius could make a fair good push and I could legit see it completing the course, but I feel the House Robots will block it a bit too easily. I got the sense that Shunt was able to hold it really firmly in place in Series 4 even after it had gotten stuck in forward drive. CrashBash (talk) 08:57, June 6, 2020 (UTC)
10.6m Tiberius to do well down The Sentinel route before eventually being pitted. Adster1005 09:58, June 6, 2020 (UTC)
Completed. Agree with Diotoir here. SpaceManiac888(Talk) 11:56, June 7, 2020 (UTC)
10.6m. Pretty much the exact same as what happened to Killerhurtz. Hogwild94 (talk) 17:59, June 7, 2020 (UTC)
3.1m. I can see Shadow of Napalm trying to get through the breezeblocks and failing, before giving up and trying to do another route, but doing it too late and being trapped at the opening of the ramrig by Matilda and Sir Killalot, who would have migrated there by then. Jimlaad43(talk) 08:46, June 6, 2020 (UTC)
2.0 metres It's not got enough pushing power, its weak and easy to push back. It has no chance.Diotoir the son of nemesis (talk) 08:53, June 6, 2020 (UTC)
4.0 metres. Shadow of Napalm's only hope here is the ramrig, but it was so ponderous and lacking in control I see it getting stuck. CrashBash (talk) 08:58, June 6, 2020 (UTC)
3.1m I see it going for the Ramrig, but then proceeding to get stuck before Killalot comes in to press it against the ramrig. Adster1005 10:00, June 6, 2020 (UTC)
3.0m. This has been summed up nicely, Shadow of Napalm is too sluggish to really assert itself here. SpaceManiac888(Talk) 11:56, June 7, 2020 (UTC)
2m. Shadow of Napalm has no choice but to got the Sentinel/Pits route, but its slow speed makes it easy for the House Robots to gang up on and push back to the start. Hogwild94 (talk) 18:01, June 7, 2020 (UTC)
Completed. Onslaught will go the ramrig route, easily sliding through it due to its small shape, and then zipping past Matilda at the top and getting through to the end. Jimlaad43(talk) 08:46, June 6, 2020 (UTC)
Completed As long as it isn't caught by The Sentinel, it should be fine.Diotoir the son of nemesis (talk) 08:54, June 6, 2020 (UTC)
Completed. The advantage here is that Onslaught has already run the Gauntlet before and knows The Sentinel is a bad idea. Ergo it just takes one of the other two routes, dodges the House Robots and wins. CrashBash (talk) 08:59, June 6, 2020 (UTC)
Completed. Straight for the ramrig, get through due its size and speed before eventually getting past Matilda and Dead Metal. Adster1005 10:02, June 6, 2020 (UTC)
Completed. The ramp route is probably the most ideal for Onslaught, providing it does not accidentally overturn itself. It has more experience now, so it should be fine. SpaceManiac888(Talk) 11:56, June 7, 2020 (UTC)
Completed. An older and more wiser Onslaught goes for the wall and ramp and, despite some twitchy control, just about makes it home. Hogwild94 (talk) 18:02, June 7, 2020 (UTC)
Completed. Vercingetorix should monster through the Breezeblock wall and fly up the ramp quite quickly. The wedge at the front will allow it to try and push past the House Robots at the end, to which it could wiggle through and complete the run. The slowest of the completers yes, but still complete. Jimlaad43(talk) 08:46, June 6, 2020 (UTC)
Completed Yeah, I mean it's got a decent pushing power and can avoid House Robots and obstacles in a tough and challenging run but eventually should reach the end.Diotoir the son of nemesis (talk) 08:55, June 6, 2020 (UTC)
13.5 metres I don't think it'll quite complete the run, I feel the House Robots will eventually hold it off, but a creditable run all the same. CrashBash (talk) 09:00, June 6, 2020 (UTC)
12.3 metres. Down the centre route, and just getting held off by Bash. Adster1005 10:04, June 6, 2020 (UTC)
Completed. Vercingetorix to avoid the Sentinel route that was problematic for it back in Series 2, going nicely over the ramp, and being strong enough to push through the House Robots needed to complete the course. SpaceManiac888(Talk) 11:56, June 7, 2020 (UTC)
Completed. Again, a more sensible choice to go for the wall and ramp, and it just about manages to squeeze through the House Robots and get fully over the line. Hogwild94 (talk) 18:04, June 7, 2020 (UTC)
The Skittles trial is the one in which our 5 robots will face now. There are 10 stacks of 11 barrels in a triangle in the centre of the arena. The robots must knock as many barrels down as possible in 1 minute. They are safe from the House Robots inside the triangle, but fair game if they stray out. In the end, the robot with the fewest barrels knocked onto their side is eliminated.
32 barrels. Tiberius may be well designed for this with the good wedge, but I just don't see it as the strongest of pushers or fastest robot for this kind of trial. It can certainly knock a few stacks down, but I can see it getting pinned under some barrels in the middle, or caught up with the House Robots on the outside. Jimlaad43(talk) 09:53, June 8, 2020 (UTC)
40 barrels. Tiberius to get a few down, from the initial blow, but then move around a bit and get a few more, but get caught outside the triangle and get stopped there. Adster1005 09:56, June 8, 2020 (UTC)
60 barrels. Alternatively, I see Tiberius reversing towards the barrels, smashing 60 barrels down with ease. SpaceManiac888(Talk) 10:03, June 8, 2020 (UTC)
70 Barrels I think Tiberius is capable of toppling lots barrels over whether it's using the ramp or the back to topple them, I think it would be quite easy.Diotoir the son of nemesis (talk) 10:06, June 8, 2020 (UTC)
50 barrels. I'm assuming we've done away with the starting ramp, otherwise a lot of these robots are going to get stuck attempting to drive down off of it. Provided it does, Tiberius can do well here. Hogwild94 (talk) 20:34, June 8, 2020 (UTC)
63 barrels. Onslaught scored 57 when it did this trial in Series 2, so a slightly improved robot should get some more down. But as it's in essence the same robot, I don't see many more barrels this time. Jimlaad43(talk) 09:53, June 8, 2020 (UTC)
57 barrels. I, meanwhile, am going to say it's EXACTLY like last time. CrashBash (talk) 09:56, June 8, 2020 (UTC)
60 barrels. An excellent Series 2 run, just marginally improved. Adster1005 09:59, June 8, 2020 (UTC)
70 barrels. Onslaught will not have the issues that troubled it in the Series 2 run, henceforth I can see it scoring more than before. SpaceManiac888(Talk) 10:04, June 8, 2020 (UTC)
70 Barrels A more improved run from Series 2, we can pretty much confirm 57 at the very least.Diotoir the son of nemesis (talk) 10:08, June 8, 2020 (UTC)
61 barrels. About the same as Series 2, maybe a few more. Hogwild94 (talk) 20:35, June 8, 2020 (UTC)
76 barrels. Evil Weevil should shoot through the middle of the barrels and skittle them down with ease. The forks can tip more over, and it should survive the minute in the triangle causing mayhem. Jimlaad43(talk) 10:14, June 8, 2020 (UTC)
70 barrels. Evil Weevil looks like it would be an ideal shape to take on the Skittles. CrashBash (talk) 10:15, June 8, 2020 (UTC)
60 barrels Its low and should do well but I fear it may get stuck a few times.Diotoir the son of nemesis (talk) 10:19, June 8, 2020 (UTC)
69 barrels. Evil Weevil does pretty well here, swiftly swooshing in and knocking plenty. Hogwild94 (talk) 20:36, June 8, 2020 (UTC)
65 barrels. Vercingetorix is another robot which should find this pretty simple to deal with. Whizzing through the barrels and dumping them down with a combination of the wedge and lifter toppling multiple barrels all the minute. Jimlaad43(talk) 10:14, June 8, 2020 (UTC)
50 barrels I feel its slower speed will be its undoing and barrels will be missed as time runs out.Diotoir the son of nemesis (talk) 10:17, June 8, 2020 (UTC)
65 barrels. Same as Jim. CrashBash (talk) 10:26, June 8, 2020 (UTC)
58 barrels. Another comfortable, but not that spectacular run. Hogwild94 (talk) 20:37, June 8, 2020 (UTC)
63 barrels. Fat Boy Tin's height and arms are actually pretty useful for a trial like this, as it doesn't just have to rely on the wedge to topple barrels. However, I can't see it staying in the triangle the whole time, and Shunt will turn up to smash the face at some point, ending the run early, but not after scoring a decent amount of barrels. Jimlaad43(talk) 10:14, June 8, 2020 (UTC)
32 barrels. A generous start, but once it's forced to leave the triangle to get another ram, it'll be swiftly overturned if Matilda, Shunt or even Sir Killalot are involved. CrashBash (talk) 10:17, June 8, 2020 (UTC)
80 barrels. If Fat Bot Slim reverses into the barrels, it will easily smash through those barrels, exploiting its great height and arms as Jimlaad has said to great effect. Plus, Fat Bot Slim is so big that if Shunt and co try to attack it, it will probably knock even more barrels down! Quite frankly, Fat Bot Slim may actually be the best of the bunch here, to be quite honest! SpaceManiac888(Talk) 10:29, June 8, 2020 (UTC)
Having read your vote, I felt like I accepted the height was useful, but have dismissed it too easily. I've increased my score in response. Jimlaad43(talk) 12:24, June 9, 2020 (UTC)
37 barrels. Unless there's a starting ramp, in which case it'll instantly get stuck and fall flat on its face. If it does make it, I don't fancy it to have the speed to rack up a decent enough score. Hogwild94 (talk) 20:38, June 8, 2020 (UTC)
